How to reduce the chances of being
attacked by Ransomware.
NOTE: This
solution will NOT work if your computer is already encrypted.
Ransomware
is an invasive program that holds your computer hostage by encrypting
your files until you pay a ransom. It can erase your files
or
even destroy you computer. It can easily be passed on to
your
friends and anyone else you e-mail or share files with.
If your computer is still using Microsoft's XP, Vista or 8, you REALLY
NEED TO DO THE FOLLOWING:
(If you are uncomfortable messing around with your computer's operating
system, ask a
teenage friend to help!)
Go to the following website (it may take several tries as it is VERY
'popular' due to the hacking attacks):
http://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Search.aspx
and enter KB4012598 in the search box. This
should bring up a list of operating systems.
Here are some generic instructions
- your particular set of
steps depends on how your system and browser are set up.
- Choose the 'DOWNLOAD' option for
whichever system you are using (it
should be one of the first three listed).
- You should then get a dialog box with a
ridiculously long file
name. Click that file name.
- Depending on your browser's settings you may be asked to
'Save' or
'Run'. If you have a choice, choose 'Run', otherwise do a 'Save'.
- If you saved the file, find it and click on it to run
it. If
you did a 'Run' go to step 5.
- After starting the program, a dialog box will open asking
you to
agree - you should agree.
- Another box will open and indicate the steps that are being
taken to
install the patch. You are done when this box either closes or
says 'Done'.